The Sagaing Region Watermelon and Muskmelon Exporters and Producers Association has issued an announcement to local farmers asking them to wait for developments on the China coronavirus outbreak before picking watermelons and muskmelons, said U Soe Lwin, chairman of the Sagaing Region WMEPA.

On account of the coronavirus outbreak, residents of Wuhan City, China are being prevented from travelling around the country and this could affect the fruit market in the border area, he said.

“Although fruit can be exported in this situation, it may prove difficult because China has imposed restrictions on travelling in the country. We are monitoring the situation. If China manages to control the virus and traders are allowed to travel around the country freely, we will let local farmers know so they can start work as soon as possible. In this situation, we do not want local farmers to pick fruits because they may suffer from disease and the farmers may lose profits,” he added.

“With travelling in China becoming inconvenient, watermelons and muskmelons may rot. So, local farmers should pick them only after receiving correct information through brokers or Chinese authorities, who are closely monitoring the current situation,” he added. —Win Oo (Zayyartine)

(Translated by Hay Mar)